As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, caregivers can face more challenges over the winter period. We can face extra financial strains in winter, whether your paying extra on the fuel bill to keep the home warm or getting a few gifts for friends and family, this time of year can be expensive. It’s not just our finances that may feel strained over the colder months, our physical and mental health can be lower than usual too.
On this webpage you will find ways to connect with local and national initiatives to help support you and your caring role this winter.
Supporting our financial wellbeing in Winter
Warm Home Discount Scheme
Starting again in October 2025, the government may send a payment to your energy supplier of £150 to help cover the costs of our energy bills between October 2025 and March 2026. This scheme happens automatically and so there is no need to apply to be part of the scheme.
To qualify for the Warm Home Discount you will need to already claim either the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit or receive one of the ‘qualifying benefits’ such as Universal Credit or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Read the full eligibility criteria on Gov.UK website. You will get a letter between late October 2025 and early January 2026 to let you know if you’re eligible for the scheme.
Winter Fuel Payments
You could be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment if you are already receiving qualifying benefits or you are of qualifying age. To learn more about Winter Fuel Payments, visit the Gov.UK website.
Council Tax Discounts
Some caregivers living in Gateshead are entitled to a reduction in council tax. To be eligible for this you must fit the following eligibility criteria;
- Providing unpaid care for at least 35 hours per week on average
- Living with the person you care for
- The person you care for is not your spouse/partner or a child aged under 18
- Caring for someone who is entitled to at least one of the following state benefits:
- Higher rate Attendance Allowance
- Highest Rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced Rate of the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- An Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Increased rate of Disablement Pension
Learn more about Council Tax reductions on Gateshead Council’s website.
Supporting our Physical and Mental Wellbeing in Winter
Stay Connected with Family and Friends
The Winter months may make it more difficult for us to leave the house and connect with friends and family. Stay in touch with those around you, whether that involves getting out to see them or chatting over the phone. The demands of our caring role can leave us feeling isolated more than most people and so it is important to stay connected to those around us.
Consider connecting with other local groups and services by using the OurGateshead website. We can discover what’s on nearby based on specific topics such as things for caregivers or dementia too.
Stay warm and well
It is important to stay warm during the winter months, here are some of the measures the UK Government suggest you take to stay safe in the cold weather.
We can also access Warm Welcome Spaces across Gateshead. These are local spaces in your community where you can go to, stay warm and access their facilities. Learn more about Warm Welcome Spaces on Gateshead Council’s website.
You can also watch Age UK’s video on staying warm, saving energy and paying less at home.
Keep up to date with your vaccinations
There are things we can do to help stay well in Winter, including getting your flu and Covid-19 vaccinations.
Caregivers have a legal right to request a free flu vaccination.
You can book your vaccines by contacting your local GP surgery. If you register as a caregiver at your GP surgery you may also be able to access additional benefits such as alternative appointment slots and signposting into other local support services.